The House bill passed
the Senate, Mr. Webster voting against it, and became law. There was no
further need of the Force Bill. Clay, Calhoun, even the daring Jackson
ultimately, were very glad to accept the easy escape offered by a
compromise. South Carolina had in reality prevailed, although Mr. Clay had
saved protection in a modified form. Her threats of nullification had
brought the United States government to terms, and the doctrines of Calhoun
went home to the people of the South with the glory of substantial victory
about them, to breed and foster separatism and secession, and prepare the
way for armed conflict with the nobler spirit of nationality which Mr.
Webster had roused in the North.
Speaking of Mr. Webster at this period, Mr. Benton says:--
"He was the colossal figure on the political stage during that
eventful time, and his labors, splendid in their day, survive for
the benefit of distant posterity."... "It was a splendid era in his
life, both for his intellect and his patriotism. No longer the
advocate of classes or interests, he appeared as the great
defender of the Union, of the Constitution, of the country, and of
the administration to which he was opposed.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282